Andrew Pontzen Scientific Computing

For both galaxy formation and early Universe work, it's
extremely important to be able to take advantage of
computers to make detailed and precise calculations.

The typical approach of scientists to computing is to
get the job done via the quickest method available. For
simple problems, this is a pragmatic approach. But as our
codes and the demands we place upon them become increasingly
complex, it becomes unacceptably difficult to show that the
computers are actually doing the right thing.

I'm interested in taking a much higher-level approach to
scientific computing, in particular the
use of ultra-high-level languages like python.
As well as giving graduate-level lectures on these topics, the most
visible aspect of my work in this area is the new simulation
analysis library
pynbody (taking over from my older
package siman). Pynbody
represents a collaborative effort for which I'm leading development.